by Blessing Hodzi and Yvonne Phiri
Introduction
In patriarchal societies, where inequalities between men and women prevail, women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to gendered violence. While gendered violence affects all women, research indicates that women with disabilities face a heightened risk (United Nations General Assembly 4/67/227, 4). Globally, UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) reports that 60% to 80% of women with disabilities have experienced sexual violence, with 50% subjected to multiple assaults (2015, 149). This does not mean that men with disabilities are not affected by gendered violence, but women are disproportionately affected. It has been noted that approximately 80% of these women are in developing countries, indicating the need for studies on violence against women with disabilities in Africa (World Health Organization 2011, 8).
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05_FA2025_Vol6.1-VGP1_Standpoint_Hodzi-and-Phiri